American Idol synopsis
American Idol started out as a project by 19 Entertainment founder and Spice Girls manager and creator Simon Fuller in 2001 after the success of Pop Idol . Many American networks such as ABC, CBS and NBC rejected the project until Fox TV bought the rights. It was originally going to be called Pop Idol USA , but due to legal issues with Popstars it was renamed American Idol. The show was taped in spring 2002 and began on June 11, 2002 until September 4, 2002. The show's pilot became a success and American Idol was born. The judging panel was Simon Cowell, the judge of Pop Idol and manager of various singers, Randy Jackson, former Journey bass guitarist and music producer and Paula Abdul, semi-retired popstar. Originally, there was supposed to have a fourth judge named Ted Ramon Stryker, a disc jockey from the radio station KROQ, but he left before the auditions began. It was hosted by radio presenter Ryan Seacrest and comedian Brian Dunkleman. The show's finale led to Kelly